Global Category Manager – Secondary Packaging & Data Analytics

Job Description:

At Ferring Pharmaceuticals, we help people around the world build families and live better lives. We are entrepreneurial and innovative, with a global team focused on scientific advances in the areas of reproductive and women’s health, gastroenterology and urology. Ferring + You is all about working together and sharing ideas, so that we can bring science to life for patients around the world. 

Every person at Ferring works together to change lives and help people build families. Our corporate teams offer empowering, innovative, challenging and rewarding careers – we are motivated to make a difference. To reach our full potential we collaborate, and respect and value diverse contributions so that we can grow as an organisation and as professionals. Together we can influence the world around us to make life and work better.

Ferring + You

The Global Category Manager - Secondary Packaging & Data Analytics is responsible for developing and executing global sourcing and category strategies for secondary packaging materials, while acting as a data-driven business partner to the Direct procurement organization.

The role combines classical global category management with strong analytical, database and AI-oriented capabilities to support fact-based decision making, risk mitigation and value creation across Ferring’s manufacturing network.

Your day at Ferring

Stakeholder & Business Partnership

• Act as a global business partner to manufacturing sites and functions (Operations, QA, QC, RA, Finance).

• Develop strong understanding of business needs, demand drivers and site-specific constraints.

• Ensure early procurement involvement in innovation, tech-transfer and lifecycle projects.

Category Strategy & Sourcing

• Develop and maintain global category strategies aligned with business and growth objectives.

• Analyze global spend, demand and supply markets to identify savings, risk and innovation opportunities.

• Lead global sourcing initiatives (RFI, RFQ, negotiations, contracting) in line with Global Procurement processes.

• Drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) optimization including quality, lead time, inventory and sustainability.

Data Analytics & Digital Enablement

• Build and maintain structured procurement databases (spend, suppliers, contracts, performance).

• Use advanced analytics, dashboards and AI-enabled tools to generate insights and support decision making.

• Translate complex data into clear recommendations for management and stakeholders.

• Continuously improve data quality, transparency and reporting standards within the category.

Supplier Relationship & Risk Management

• Segment and rationalize the supplier base for secondary packaging.

• Assess supply, quality and compliance risks and define mitigation plans.

• Drive supplier performance, continuous improvement and innovation initiatives.

• Support responsible sourcing and compliance with pharmaceutical and regulatory requirements.

Performance & Governance

• Track and report category performance, savings, risks and KPIs.

• Contribute to the development of best-in-class global procurement practices.

• Coach and support local buyers and procurement colleagues on category-related topics.

Behind our innovation…There’s you 

• Education: Academic degree in Engineering, Economics, Supply Chain, Data Analytics or a related field.

• Procurement Experience: 3–7 years in procurement or category management, ideally within pharmaceutical or medical device industries.

• Category Exposure: Experience with packaging, direct materials, or manufacturing‑related categories is an advantage.

• Data & Analytics: Strong analytical mindset with experience handling large datasets, dashboards, databases, and advanced Excel/BI tools.

• Technology Skills: Exposure to AI or automation tools is highly desirable.

• Business Skills: Strong communication, stakeholder management and negotiation capabilities.

• Project Management: Proven experience leading cross‑functional projects in a global, multicultural environment.

• Ways of Working: Structured, curious, improvement‑oriented, and confident challenging the status quo using data‑driven insights.

• Languages: Fluent English required; additional languages are a plus.

People come first at Ferring 

• Get inspired from our commitment to advocate for everyone’s right to build a family, no matter who you are, where you live or who you love 

• Our inclusive support package – “Building Families at Ferring” provides equal and accessible policies for all employees who wish to start their family journey, ensuring a global standard, irrespective of location and role. Subject to a minimum period of employment at Ferring 

• Parental leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents 

• Extended support on family building journey 

Making a difference in the life of millions of people means we succeed by working together. Our diverse backgrounds, experiences, expertise, and perspectives enable us to find solutions to even the most challenging problems, and our success is tied to each team member’s contributions. Imagine the power of your career when it’s Ferring + You. 

Behind our purpose… There’s you 

If our mission and your vision are aligned, please apply! 

We strive to build and maintain an inclusive and diverse workplace with equal opportunities and mutual respect for all employees regardless of their backgrounds and socioeconomic status. 

Note to agencies: this search is being managed by Ferring’s Talent Acquisition team. Kindly do not send us spontaneous profiles. 

Location:

Ferring Service Center Portugal